Pets by Gelett Burgess (1904)
"Pets" by Gelett Burgess is a humorous poem about the various animals that people keep as pets. The poem begins with a list of common household pets, including cats and dogs, before moving on to more exotic creatures like lions and tigers. Throughout the poem, Burgess pokes fun at the idea of keeping wild animals as pets, suggesting that they are not always the best companions for humans. The poem ends with a final joke about the dangers of keeping a pet elephant in one's home.
By Gelett Burgess · First published 1904 · Genre: Children's Literature, Humor, Poetry · 54 words
First lines
Almost every Goop forgets When it's time to feed his pets, 'Cause his memory fails;
Listen to his wails!
He is often scratched or bitten By the puppy or the kitten, 'Cause he pulls their tails!
What this Textopian page supports
Pets is listed on Textopian as a short story by Gelett Burgess, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Gelett Burgess
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Humor, Poetry, Educational
- Length: 54 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Pets by Gelett Burgess
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Pets?
- How does this short story by Gelett Burgess fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Puppy Goops by Gelett Burgess
- The Funny Kittens by Carolyn Wells
- The Grandiloquent Goat by Carolyn Wells
- Wet Feet by Gelett Burgess
- Nell The Nibbler by Gelett Burgess
- The Roll Of Roly Poly Roy by Carolyn Wells
Genres
- Children's Literature — The content is simple, rhyming, and aimed at teaching children about responsibility through humorous examples.
- Humor — The playful language and exaggerated scenarios are intended to amuse and entertain young readers.
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form, utilizing rhyme and rhythm to convey its message.
- Educational — The narrative serves an instructive purpose, aiming to teach children about the consequences of neglecting pet care.
Tags
animals · pets · humor · children's literature · illustrated · whimsical · fiction · family · friendship · adventure · imagination · playfulness